Fecaloma in Chronic Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Fatal Case of Stercoral Colitis

Authors

Claudia Georges, Department of Medicine, MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program, Baltimore, MD, USAFollow
Simardeep Singh, Department of Medicine, MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
Eskandar Alex YazajiaDepartment of Medicine, MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program, Baltimore, MD, USA, Department of Medicine, MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program, Baltimore, MD, USA

Abstract

Stercoral colitis (SC) is a rare and potentially lethal condition characterized by severe colonic inflammation resulting from fecal impaction. This disorder is more prevalent among the elderly and vulnerable groups, especially those on chronic opioids. Our case study involves a 56-year-old male with a history of chronic opioid use who faced an acute colonic obstruction due to longstanding constipation. Despite receiving surgical treatment, the patient dies from ischemic bowel complications and multiorgan failure. The case accentuates the complexities of diagnosing and treating stercoral colitis, highlighting the critical need for early identification and proactive therapeutic intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Georges, Claudia; Singh, Simardeep; and YazajiaDepartment of Medicine, MedStar Health Georgetown University (Baltimore) Program, Baltimore, MD, USA, Eskandar Alex (2025) "Fecaloma in Chronic Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Fatal Case of Stercoral Colitis," Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives: Vol. 15: Iss. 5, Article 8.
DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1528
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.gbmc.org/jchimp/vol15/iss5/8

DOI

10.55729/2000-9666.1528